The Los Angeles Dodgers completed their first week of Spring Training games and have already had a few players stand out from the rest, as well as some that have fallen on hard times.

Here’s a look at who’s trending up and down this week for the Dodgers:

Trending Up

Seth Rosin

A Rule 5 draftee that was traded to the Dodgers, Rosin has looked nothing short of impressive this spring. In two appearances, Rosin has thrown five scoreless innings with eight strikeouts. He’s built on all the praise he received this off-season and is throwing his name into the mix for a bullpen spot.

Rosin has been able to throw strikes and mix in his off-speed pitches effectively, making him one of the more surprising stories in the first week. Because of his status as a Rule 5 pick, the 25-year-old must make the big league roster and remain there or he must be offered back to his original team. This could prompt the Dodgers to keep him to start the season and see what he does in real games.

Even if he doesn’t make the team, Rosin has already show that he could have major-league quality talent.

Josh Beckett

Beckett made one start this week and answered a lot of questions surrounding his recovery from surgery to remove a rib. The right-hander threw two solid innings against the San Diego Padres, striking out three and allowing just one hit. He looked confident on the mound and had his off-speed pitches working.

He’s expected to start again this week and another strong showing could put him in the lead for the final spot in the rotation. With Zack Greinke looking more like that he won’t start in Australia, the Dodgers will need Beckett to be healthy for the start of the season.

Heading into the final year of his contract, Beckett will be looking to have a strong season and hold down a spot in the Dodgers’ rotation.

Dee Gordon

Competing for the starting second base position, Gordon has thrust himself into the lead for the spot. He is hitting just .250 in seven games, but has two triples, three RBI and three stolen bases. The speedster has been working the counts and utilizing his talent on the base paths.

Defensively, Gordon has done quite well, showing off range and the ability to make the routine plays. With Alex Guerrero still working on making the move to second base, the 25-year-old Gordon could see himself beginning the year at second base for the Dodgers.

Another solid showing this week and Gordon will be making the trip to Australia as one of the starting nine.

Trending Down

Ross Stripling

After throwing two innings in the Cactus League opener, Stripling reported elbow pain to the coaching staff and immediately had an MRI. Yesterday, it was was announced that the right-hander will undergo Tommy John surgery today and will be out for the season. Stripling felt the pain earlier in the spring, but didn’t tell anyone until after his first outing.

Stripling was expected to make some noise this spring as an outside possibility for the fifth spot in the rotation. He was held in high regards among much of the coaching staff and will now have to spend the season recovering and rehabbing from surgery.

The operation is a devastating blow to a promising prospect and the Dodgers hope he can recover in time for next season.

Stephen Fife

Fife was one of 10 players cut from the Dodgers yesterday and he was optioned to the minors. The right-hander was supposed to be in competition for the final spot in the rotation, but with the signing of Paul Maholm and strong outing from Beckett, there was no room left for him.

Last season, the 27-year-old made a handful of starts for the Dodgers, coming up from the minors a few times after injuries to the rotation forced management’s hand. He filled in well, but dealt with shoulder bursitis towards the end of the season.

This may not be the last we see of Fife, as he will likely be one of the first call-ups from the minor leagues if any of the Dodger starters goes down with an injury.

About The Author

Vince is currently the Associate Editor and Social Media Manager for Dodgers Nation. Hailing from San Pedro, CA and a student at Cal State Long Beach, Vince has previously written for the Daily 49er and LASF Magazine.